Sunday, November 30, 2014

So Natalie and I decided to start a Youtube channel for the videos we plan on making for the blog. We took some footage during our Miami trip this past summer, and I only started looking at the video clips a few weeks ago. Finally I sat down, learned how to use iMovie in an hour, and whipped up a little video from our trip together. The whole process is really addictive, and I can't wait to start showing you our adventures more like this. I think it's a really engaging way for you guys to get to know us a little bit more. And maybe even our more wackier (and real) sides! Enjoy!

Happy Sunday. Another outfit from a few weeks back. Probably too cold now to wear this outfit. It's arctic out now unfortunately. And with the wind, it seems like I can hardly even keep my hat down on my head. East coast problems. Whatever, I'll find a way to deal. Fall is long gone here in NYC, but I always find a way to make this summery checkered mid-length dress work in all seasons. Tights. A thing or two layered on top. A turtleneck layered underneath. Or all on its own. It's forever on rotation in my life.

Friday, November 28, 2014

___This skirt does exactly that. Make me feel 16 again. Not that I ever went to private school or anything. I was a little pseudo valley punk in high school. Plaid minis with my Converse. Plaid pants with my Hollister tee and pink Jansport backpack. I only listened to Phantom Planet and Augustana and We Are Scientists. The style changes we go through growing up really are phenomenal. Not really sure what my 16 year old self was thinking back then every morning before getting ready for school, but all I know is that I'd still wear all those things but just a whole lot differently. This plaid mini from Forever 21 is such a style staple. Made for the punks, the preps, or the girls who just enjoys a pop of fall pattern (a.ka. me now).

Thursday, November 27, 2014

I find it almost hard to put into words how grateful I feel right now. For the life I have right now. The family I can always count on. I love them so much. The friends I can rely on and laugh with and create new things with. The city that I live in that constantly keeps me inspired and in an endless state of admiration. The places I have visited. Knowing all the places that I know I will be able to finally visit someday. Being able to dream at night and wake up in the morning knowing that it doesn't just have to be a dream. The freedom to express myself however way I feel resonates with me. And to not feel judged doing so. Grateful for the food I eat. The pillow beneath my head. The water I drink. And the coffee I get to have each and every morning. The water running underneath my feet when I go home to California. The feeling of well worn toes at the end of an early evening stroll from Upper Manhattan to Lower Manhattan (it hurts but man does it feel just as good at the same time). Making my own work hours (a.k.a working 24/7 or taking a random Tuesday off if I really want to) and still being able to fully support myself in this crazy city. The frogs I've kissed that are taking me closer to my prince. The love and appreciation I have come to have for my body, mind and soul. Coming to terms that I am a much more spiritual person than I am religious person, and not being scared to mask that. The beating of my physical heart. The twisting of my broken heart. The flutters of my happy heart. I am thankful that I am able to feel and learn from each emotion at its fullest.

So many ups and down. Not really sure if they have quite balanced themselves out yet, but I have come to realize that one can't have one without the either. Every high we experience is elevated by a low. So I have come to be thankful for those lows, even though they have been heart wrenchingly painful and even extra depressing. The times that I would spend nights in a row crying and crying until I could not cry anymore. The times that I stopped eating because it was the only thing that could make me feel in control. The times that I felt that running away was the only possibility even though I had no idea where I would go. Because these lows have made me stronger and have opened my eyes to what is out there that is better and sunnier. That it is up to me to make things better and to live the life that I have always wanted for myself and for the people I choose to be a part of my life. To be open to the things that are good with clear eyes. I have recognized all these things. And for that I am grateful. Grateful that I have learned to brush myself off after I have fallen and to not let any bruise stay on me forever.

Happy Thanksgiving all you lovely people. I hope you all recognize the things that make you happy in your life and grasp onto them as tightly as you can. Let it flourish. Be grateful for them. xo

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

___A western feel on the west coast. It was really, really cold this day, but thank goodness I happen to be the master at layering. This Forever 21 coat is such a goodie. Classic, long and simplistic. I throw it over EVERYTHING, and there is still so much space underneath to layer with without looking frumpy. Now that's a coat. I slipped on some netted tights under my ripped jeans, and then a thermal t-shirt under my plaid under my wool cardigan under my coat. Still cold, but it could be worse.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Just wanted to share more of my favorite shots from my first day in Vancouver when we spent the majority of the day at the top of Grouse Mountain and stayed until the sun went down. It was such a treat for our eyes and state of mind. There's nothing quite spectacular as being this far up and looking down on the world we live in. A sense of perspective instilled by nature is one of my favorite ways to bring myself back down to earth in any sort of situation.

And make sure to check out our Kiara's and my Vancouver guide, up on the Free People BLDG 25 blog right now. Check it out HERE.

So much to show you guys from my four long days in Vancouver with one of my best friends, Kiara of Tobruck Ave. A little recap of our trip is now on the Free People Bldg 25 blog, with a list of all the spots we hit up while I was there. Hope you guys can use this as a guide for an upcoming trip to the dreamy and woodsy Vancouver. I am now thoroughly in love with this city! Kiara was born there, spent a bit of her childhood there, and lived there again for college. I'm so glad that I decided to book a trip out there to visit her face, since I've missed her so much since she's left the east coast. Vancouver is full of contrasts. A modern, impeccable city full of hip and trendy spots we young people love, but fully surrounded by nature untouched by anything that feels remotely city-like. It was such a breathe of fresh air . . . everything about the entire city. And everyone was so friendly! And the coffee! So good!

Meet Dylana Suarez

EMAIL: dylanainwonderland@gmail.com

My name is Dylana Suarez. My friends call me Dy. I'm a creative consultant, writer, stylist, self-taught photographer and style blogger. I've worked in so many different aspects in the fashion industry so far, from freelance journalist to creative copywriter to e-comm stylist to social media manager. This blog has followed me along the entire way. Now I do it all via DYLANA/SUAREZ. Born and raised in sunny Southern California but currently based out of NYC (since May 2013) after a two year layover in Philadelphia. Fashion is what makes me wake up in the morning. Writing clears my head and mends my heart. Stories help me sleep at night. I see the world through my camera lens. This is my little online fashion diary, and I hope you enjoy reading it and coming along for the ride.